Automated parking tower

ABSTRACT

A modular automated parking garage. The parking garage includes a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle. A vehicle lift structure is arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure. The vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent application Serial No. 60/278,951 entitled “Automated Parking Tower” filed Mar. 27, 2001, and is related to the following U.S. patent applications: Ser. No. 09/364,934 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Distributing and Storing Pallets in an Automated Parking Garage” filed Jul. 30, 1999; Ser. No. 09/790,460 entitled “Method for Distributing And Storing Pallets in an Automated Parking Structure” filed Feb. 22, 2001; Ser. No. 09/812,416 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Presenting and Managing Information in an Automated Parking Structure” filed Mar. 20, 2001, which is a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 09/364,934; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,753 entitled “Modulated Automated Parking System” that issued Sep. 23, 1997 on a utility application filed Dec. 9, 1994, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is related to the field of modular automated parking structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Automated parking garage systems have been employed since the late 1950's. Early automated parking garages utilized crane systems, conveyors, hydraulics and pneumatics to transport and store vehicles within a parking structure. Recently, more advanced systems have been developed which include computer-controlled, specialized equipment for carrying vehicles to assigned parking spaces in a way similar to the way that computerized assembly lines or warehouses store and retrieve miscellaneous goods. In such assembly line and warehouse systems, a computer assigns a location for each item as it is received from its manufacturer, and robotics equipment carries each item to its assigned location. The same equipment is dispatched to the location when the item requires retrieval. Often, the items stored in a warehouse are placed on pallets to facilitate transportation and storage of the items. The use of pallets to transport and store vehicles is also typical of more advanced automated parking garage systems.

[0004] Examples of automated parking garage systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,561 of Takaoka, U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,246 of Broshi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,364 of Schneider, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,753 of Schween.

[0005] There is a need for an improved tower design for automated parking structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises three novel automated parking tower configurations for storing and retrieving vehicles in an automated fashion.

[0007] In one aspect thereof the parking garage structure includes a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle. A vehicle lift structure is arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure. The vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.

[0008] In a second aspect thereof, there is provided a modular parking structure, having; a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in a side-by-side arrangement, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed such that the vehicle is driven directly onto the vehicle pallet for storage during a storing process, and driven directly from the vehicle pallet during an exiting process, bypassing both the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.

[0009] In another aspect thereof, there is provided a modular parking structure comprising: at least first end and second end multilevel parking structures, each end multilevel parking structure including, a first multilevel vehicle storage structure having at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged end-to-end with and between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure; an interstitial multilevel structure of vehicle storage racks connecting the first and second end parking structures; and a storage rack access aisle extending between the first end and second end multilevel parking structures, on each level, to provide access to vehicle storage racks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1A illustrates a computer screen display of a perspective view of a first automated parking tower configuration;

[0012]FIG. 1B illustrates a computer screen display of front and side views of the first automated parking tower configuration;

[0013]FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective cutaway view of the first automated parking tower configuration;

[0014]FIG. 2A illustrates a computer screen display of a perspective view of a second automated parking tower configuration;

[0015]FIG. 2B illustrates a computer screen display of a front and side views of the second automated parking tower configuration;

[0016]FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective cutaway view of the second automated parking tower configuration;

[0017]FIG. 3A illustrates a computer screen display of a perspective view of a third automated parking tower configuration;

[0018]FIG. 3B illustrates a computer screen display of a front and side views of the third automated parking tower configuration; and

[0019]FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective cutaway view of the third automated parking tower configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A first embodiment of FIGS. 1A-C offers a fast and flexible modular automated parking system for small applications with a limited, but specific need for ten to thirty vehicles per module (with the capability of constructing additional modules adjacent to accommodate more vehicles). The first embodiment is a small garage structure 100 that can be constructed on sites with footprint dimensions as small as ten feet by sixty feet, up to sixty-eight feet by sixty feet, and a height of ranging from forty-five feet to one hundred twenty feet.

[0021] As indicated, the first small parking structure 100 is modular in that multiples of these structures 100 can be constructed where the availability of the real estate permits. For example, the small structure 100 is ideally suited for condominiums, apartments, hotels, small office building development projects (where land is very limited and expensive). The disclosed small structure 100 provides the capability of fulfilling parking requirements that cannot be easily met with a conventional garage.

[0022] The type and design of a facade 103 (shown in FIG. 1C) of the small parking structure 100 is flexible and can be designed to blend in with the neighboring buildings with a look that is contemporary, historic, and traditional. The type of facade materials that can be used are versatile as well, e.g., concrete, wood, brick, stone, aluminum, etc., that is, the owner and architect have a wide range of materials from which to choose.

[0023] From a user perspective, the small structure 100, associated design and automated systems provide a safe and convenient means for parking the user vehicle. The small structure system virtually eliminates the risk of any vehicle damage or theft and the risk of personal injury or robbery that can occur in conventional parking environments, because the driver remains safely outside the building at all times. Additionally, rather than having to spend an exorbitant amount of time driving around looking for a space in which to park, as in conventional structures, the user drives into the small garage structure 100 at ground level, for example, and into a well lit and easily accessible entrance area, exits the vehicle, pushes a button, and then simply walks away. The automated parking system for the small structure 100 then automatically stores the vehicle for the user, and retrieves the vehicle when the user requests it.

[0024] Underground applications are also particularly well suited for the small structure system. Because only half the space is needed over conventional garages structures, as much as a 50% cost savings on the excavation alone can be realized with the disclosed small garage structure 100. Additionally, the overall development and maintenance costs can be significantly lower than for a conventional garage due to lower lighting and ventilation requirements (since no vehicles are being driven around and no one is walking inside the structure 100), lower insurance costs, lower personnel expenses, savings in real estate, etc. In addition, the disclosed parking system offers a pollution-free alternative, since no vehicles are running inside the structure, there are no vehicle emissions to have to deal with inside the garage structure 100. Furthermore, since drivers do not need to drive around the outside of garage looking for parking spaces, there is less pollution (and less traffic) from cars driving at slow speeds external to the garage structure 100 for extended periods of time.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated the small modular automated parking tower structure 100. The small structure 100 is constructed of three substructures constructed end-to-end where peripheral substructures (104 and 112) accommodate storing multiple pallets and vehicles, and a center substructure 101 accommodates a vertical lift conveyor (“VLC”) (not shown in great detail) for raising and lowering an empty pallet (i.e., an unloaded pallet) or a pallet and vehicle (i.e., a loaded pallet). The peripheral substructures (104 and 112) are aligned in construction such that the two storage racks of the same level are on a common horizontal plane, and the storage racks of the same level are aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis 109. The small parking structure 100 utilizes the VLC in the center substructure 101 (having a footprint of approximately nine by twenty feet) for lifting a vehicle pallet 102 or both a vehicle (not shown) and the pallet 102. As indicated, the center substructure 101 is between the first peripheral tower 104 of vehicle storage racks 106 positioned at a front end 108 of a foundation footprint 110, and the second peripheral tower 112 of the vehicle storage racks 106 positioned at a back end 114 of the foundation footprint 110. Thus all substructures are constructed end-to end in alignment along the common horizontal longitudinal axis 109. In this particular embodiment, the footprint 110 is ten feet wide and sixty feet in length. Of course, the height of the small structure 100 is flexible depending upon the requirements of a building and parking space with which it is associated. The small structure 100 can be built from a minimum of five levels up to a maximum of fifteen levels, thus creating ten to thirty parking spaces, respectively. Although the illustrated small structure 100 is shown constructed entirely above ground, the small structure 100 may also be constructed to service floors of vehicle storage racks 106 below ground level or a combination of floors above and below ground level.

[0026] The VLC includes a carriage 116 that is the basic support apparatus of the VLC that works in conjunction with other apparatus (described hereinbelow) that is lifted up and lowered down between the first tower 104 and the second tower 112, allowing the VLC to facilitate insertion and retrieval of a vehicle and the pallet 102 (or just the pallet 102) from any of the vehicle storage racks 106. The VLC lowers the carriage 116 and pallet 102 (with or without a vehicle) into a central recessed area 118 of the foundation footprint 110, around which is formed an Entry/Exit Station (“EES”) 120 at an entrance/terminal level. On top of the carriage 116 is a Rack Entry Module (“REM”) 117 that provides the capability of extending from the carriage 116 into the storage racks 106 on the back end 114 and front end 108 of the small tower structure 100. In this way, the REM operates to insert or retrieve the pallet 102 or pallet 102 and vehicle from one of the storage racks 106.

[0027] In operation, a first patron drives his or her vehicle (not shown) into the small structure 100 via an entrance 122 on an entry level, which can be on any of the illustrated levels. Note that entry can be made from the front end 108, the back end 114, or both. The vehicle is driven onto and parked on the pallet 102 (after the pallet 102 is lowered into the recessed area 118) that is supported on the REM 117 of the VLC. Once the first patron exits the vehicle and leaves the EES 120, a computer-driven control system (not shown) operates to ensure that the first patron (and any other person) is outside the confines of the EES 120 before activating the storage procedures. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1A, the EES 120 is a room that is formed with walls and doors around the carriage 116, pallet 102, and other systems facilitating usage of the small structure 100. The carriage 116 with REM 117, pallet 102, and vehicle, is then elevated to an open storage rack 106 in one of the upper levels (or lower storage racks 106 where the EES 120 is part of an upper level point of ingress). The VLC then stops at the level designated by the control system, and engages one or more deck-locks (not shown) to ensure that the carriage 116 does not move in any of an x, y, or z direction. The REM 117 with the pallet 102 and vehicle then extends either forward off the carriage 116 into the storage rack 106 of the second tower 112, or rearward off the carriage 116 into another storage rack 106 of the first tower 104, and positions the pallet 102 on rail supports (not shown) provided in the storage rack 106. The REM 117 then retracts out of the storage rack 106 and back onto the carriage 116, leaving the pallet 102 and vehicle supported by the rail supports in the storage rack 106.

[0028] In accordance with the next command associated with a second patron, the control system either controls the VLC to retrieve an empty pallet 105 from another storage rack 107 to the EES 120 for the second patron vehicle to drive thereon, or the control system controls the VLC to move to another full storage rack 106 to retrieve the vehicle of the second patron, and its associated pallet. If the second patron has requested his or her vehicle, the VLC and REM 117 retrieves the vehicle and pallet to the EES 120 so that the vehicle can be driven away.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is illustrated a different view of the small structure 100 of FIG. 1A. Both the front end 108 and back end 114 may be used for points of ingress and egress. For example, a vehicle may be driven forward into the front end 108 from the left for storage, and driven forward out the back end 114 after retrieval. A vehicle may also be driven into the front end 108 for storage, and backed out of the front end 108 after retrieval. Similarly, a vehicle may be driven forward into the back end 114 from the right for storage, and backed out of the back end 114 after retrieval as in a residential garage. Finally, a vehicle may be driven forward into the back end 114 from the right for storage, and driven forward out the front end 108 to the left after retrieval.

[0030] As illustrated, the carriage 116 secures at a predetermined level, according to the control system identifying the appropriate level, to allow the REM 117 to extend into either the first tower 104 in a direction denoted 124 or in the second tower 112 in the direction denoted 126.

[0031] Further provided is a second small structure 128 sited adjacent to the small structure 100 to illustrate the modular capability mentioned hereinabove. The second small structure 128 includes a second foundation footprint 130 with a second recessed area 132, and a number of storage racks 106 on either side of a central tower (not visible). Two or three automated parking structures may be constructed and operated in parallel, thus forming respective garage structure footprints of twenty by sixty feet, or thirty by sixty feet.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is illustrated a small parking structure 134 constructed adjacent to a building 136. As illustrated, the facade 103 extends from the building 136 over the small parking structure 134 (similar to small parking structure 100, but with fewer levels), and includes fourteen storage racks 106 dispersed vertically and equally on either side of a central shaft 138. An entrance 140 provides vehicle ingress to the small parking structure 103. Note that the entrance 140 can also be the exit for the small parking structure 103, or there can be a back exit (not visible).

[0033] The pallet storage system employed by the automated parking tower configuration of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C suggests that every storage rack 106 stores a pallet, regardless of whether it supports a vehicle or not. Accordingly, the second small structure 100 preferably uses the same number of pallets 102 as there are storage racks 106 in the structure 100.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, there are shown three views of a second style of small automated parking structure 200. The second small structure 200 offers a fast and flexible modular automated parking system for small applications with a limited, but specific need for ten to thirty vehicles per module utilizing respectively, five to fifteen levels (with the capability of constructing additional parking garage modules 200 adjacent to accommodate more vehicles). The second small garage structure 200 can be constructed on sites with a foundation footprint 202 as small as twenty-five feet by twenty-one feet to seventy-one feet by twenty-one feet, and a height of ranging from forty-five feet to one hundred twenty feet. Of course, the height is flexible depending on the building and parking space requirements on site. Although the illustrated structure 200 is shown constructed entirely above ground, the second structure 200 may also be constructed to service floors below ground or a combination of floors above and below ground.

[0035] The second small structure 200 is also constructed of three substructures placed side-by-side (in contrast of the end-to-end configuration of FIG. 1A) where two peripheral substructures (204 and 212) accommodate storing multiple pallets and vehicles, and a central substructure 201 accommodates the VLC for raising and lowering the unloaded pallet or loaded pallet. The peripheral substructures (204 and 212) are aligned in construction such that the two storage racks of the same level are on a common horizontal plane, but that a longitudinal axis 209 of any storage rack is parallel with another storage rack of the same level or different level.

[0036] The second automated parking structure 200 also uses the VLC (of FIG. 1A) designed into the central substructure 201 to raise and lower the pallet 102 (loaded or unloaded) to a level identified by the control system (not shown, but similar to the control system of FIGS. 1A-C). However, the VLC for this second structure 200 is now designed to facilitate insertion and removal of the pallet 102 with the peripheral substructures (204 and 212) in a sideways manner. The VLC has a carriage 216, which is raised and lowered in the central substructure 201 between the respective storage level locations 206 and an EES 205, which EES 205 is at a terminal level.

[0037] On top of the carriage 216 is an Upper Carrier Module (“UCM”) 217 capable of running laterally from the carriage 216 into the storage racks on the peripheral substructures (204 and 212) of the second structure 200. The UCM 217 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,753 entitled “MODULAR AUTOMATED PARKING STRUCTURE” that issued Sep. 23, 1997, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. In this way, the UCM 217 can store or retrieve a pallet from that storage rack.

[0038] In operation, a patron drives his or her vehicle into the EES 205 of the second structure 200, at the entry level, which actually can be on any of the levels. The vehicle is parked on the pallet 102, which pallet 102 is supported on the UCM 217 in the VLC. Once the patron exits his or her vehicle and the EES 205 (which is formed around the carriage 216 with doors in order to create an enclosed room), the computer driven control system (similar to the control system of FIG. 1A) ensures that no person is inside the confines of the EES 205 before initiating the storage procedure. The carriage 216 with UCM 217, pallet 102 and vehicle, are then moved to an open storage rack 206 on one of the upper levels (or lower storage levels, in a fully or partially subterranean application). The VLC stops at the respective level, and engages deck-locks to ensure that the carriage 216 does not move in either x, y or z direction. The UCM 217 with pallet 102 and vehicle then moves either left or right into the storage rack 206 and positions the pallet 102 on rail supports provided in the storage rack 206. The UCM 217 then retracts from the storage rack 206, and onto the carriage 216, leaving the pallet 102 and vehicle in the storage rack 206.

[0039] Depending on the next command received from a patron, the control system may either request that an unloaded pallet 102 be retrieved from a storage rack 206 to the EES 205 for the next vehicle, or retrieve a loaded pallet 102. If a patron has requested a vehicle, the VLC, carriage 216, and UCM 217 retrieve the vehicle and bring it to the EES 205 to be driven away.

[0040] The second automated parking tower structure 200 can accommodate vehicles entering and leaving the garage structure 200 via either of the peripheral structures (204 and 212) through corresponding peripheral drive-throughs (210 and 214). However, the function of the peripheral drive-throughs (210 and 214) in this particular case is simply to allow a vehicle to pass through the respective peripheral structures (204 and 212). Of course, such drive-throughs (210 and 214) would be enclosed with walls and a ceiling so that no access can be gained to the machinery and vehicles internal to the second structure 200. In the event that a vehicle needs to be driven out in the same direction that it entered, the driver may need to back the vehicle out in the same way as in a residential garage.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is illustrated a different view of the small second structure 200 of FIG. 2A. As indicated above, both the peripheral structures (204 and 212) may be used for points of ingress and egress though the second structure 200. However, in order to store a vehicle, the vehicle must be driven onto the pallet 102 positioned in a recessed area 215, that accommodates the carriage 216, UCM 217, VLC and elevating machinery connected thereto. Similarly, the stored vehicle will be retrieved to the recessed area 215 of the EES 205 so that the vehicle driver can either drive the vehicle forward, or back the vehicle out of exit the second structure.

[0042] As illustrated, the carriage 216 secures at a predetermined level, according to the control system identifying the appropriate level, to allow the UCM 217 to extend into either of the peripheral structures (204 and 212).

[0043] Further provided is a third small structure 228 sited adjacent to the second small structure 200 to illustrate the modular capability mentioned hereinabove. The third small structure 228 includes a second foundation footprint 130 with a second recessed area 132, and a number of storage racks 106 on either side of a central tower (not visible). Two or three of the automated parking structures 200 may be constructed and operated so that the structures 200 and 228 sit side-by-side (not shown) to allow simultaneous access by vehicle customers. In FIG. 2B, the two structures (200 and 228) are illustrated in series offset where a drive-through 230 of the third structure 228 aligns with the EES 205 of the second structure 200 such that a driver enters the drive-through 230 to access the EES 205 of the second structure 200. Other orientations can be implemented for the particular application.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2C, there is illustrated a building 232 that incorporates the second style of a small parking structure 234 (similar to the second small structure 200, except that with fewer floors). As illustrated, a facade 236 of the building 232 extends over the second small parking structure 234. An entrance 238 provides vehicle access to the second small parking structure 234. Note that the entrance 238 can also be double or triple wide so that one lane can be restricted for parking, while other lanes can be dedicated for drive-throughs to other areas of the building and/or grounds.

[0045] The pallet storage system employed by the second small automated parking structure configuration (200 and 234) suggest that each storage rack 206 stores a pallet 102, regardless of whether a vehicle is present or not. Accordingly, the structures (200 and 234) preferably use the same number of pallets 102 as available storage racks 206.

[0046] As with the first type of small modular parking structure 100 hereinabove, two or three of the second modular automated parking structures 200 may be constructed and operated in parallel, thus forming a parking operation having a building footprint of approximately fifty feet by twenty-one feet or seventy-two feet by twenty-one feet, respectively. Of course, the modular structures (200 and 234) may be placed in other orientations, as well.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, there are illustrated views of a third type of parking structure 300 in which two of the first small structure 100 of FIG. 1A are utilized to accommodate a larger parking environment. In FIG. 3A, a first small parking structure 302 (substantially similar to small parking structure 100) is constructed at one end 304 of the rectangular parking structure 300, and a second small parking structure 306 (also substantially similar to small parking structure 100) is constructed at the other end 308 of the parking structure 300. The parking structure 300 is the width of the first small parking structure 302 (which, of course, is also the width of the second small parking structure 306). Note that the first small parking structure 302 and second small parking structure 306 are not restricted to the ends of the parking structure 300, but either or both can be placed in the interior such that storage racks are accessible on either side of the first and second small parking structures (302 and 306). Additionally, the single small parking structure 302 can be the only structure providing storage and retrieval operation of the parking garage where storage racks are provided on one or both sides thereof, or there may be more then two such small parking structures in the parking structure 300, located on the ends and the interior.

[0048] Both the first and second parking structures (302 and 306) are linked over the interstitial distance with a rack structure 310 (e.g., of steel) of vehicle storage racks 312. Preferably, the number of interstitial storage rack columns 313 does not exceed six, where the vertical height of the parking structure 300 reaches ten or more levels. This is because such a configuration places increased working stress on the installed parking machinery. Thus where the height is less than ten levels, more storage rack columns 313 can be implemented.

[0049] Additionally, a recessed runway area 314 on the bottom level extends the length of the parking structure 300 from a center substructure 316 of the first small structure 302 to a second substructure 318 of the second parking structure 306 so that the bottom level storage racks can be accessed.

[0050] The first and second automated parking structures (302 and 306, also referenced as “end structures,” in this particular arrangement) are located at the opposite ends (304 and 308) so that machinery can be operated therebetween on each level. The same basic machinery is being utilized with the parking structure 300 as with the small parking structure 100 of FIG. 1A, except with the addition here of at least one Upper Carrier Module (UCM) on each level to traverse the length of the parking structure 300 to access storage racks along the length. Thus the machinery comprises the VLC (a hoist portion 302 and 322 of which is shown generally for each respective structures 302 and 306), with each VLC including the carriage, on top of which carriage is the UCM with the REM.

[0051] The REM enables extending in both directions into the storage racks on the front and rear sides of the first and second automated parking structures (302 and 306). Although the UCM is available on the VLC mechanism, it is not needed to store the vehicle in either of the end structures (302 and 306). However, if no storage racks are available in the end structures (302 and 306), the UCM exits the VLC mechanism to traverse the length of the interstitial structure 310 to locate the storage rack assigned by the computer control system. Accordingly, a center aisle is created on each level that extends the length of the parking structure 300 between the center VLC substructures (316 and 318) on which the UCM can move. Rails are provided along each center aisle on each level over which the UCM operates. Note that each VLC has associated therewith a complete storage and retrieval apparatus (i.e., a carriage, UCM, and REM) such that each end structure (302 or 306) operates independently along the length of the interstitial storage structure 310 to store and retrieve either unloaded or unloaded pallets. Thus when the assigned storage rack is reached by the UCM, the REM operates to extend the pallet and vehicle into the storage rack, and place the combination securely in the storage rack.

[0052] In operation, a driver (and vehicle) enters an entrance 324 and drives onto a pallet in an EES 326 (similar to EES 122) over a central recessed area 328 where the driver parks, exits, and locks the vehicle. After receiving a ticket or some sort of unique identification from a transaction interface (not shown) that identifies this parking transaction and/or storage rack location, he or she walks out of the EES 326, and leaves the parking structure 300. (Of course, in another configuration, the transaction interface could be also be located outside of the EES 326 such that after the driver locks the vehicle, they leave the EES 326 to complete the transaction.) Once the driver has left the EES 326, the computer control system senses the absence of the driver and any other humans (or animals) external to the vehicle in the EES 326 and closes off all access to the EES 326 by closing doors fore and aft of the vehicle. It is appreciated that the EES 326 includes an overhead door to prevent falling debris from entering the EES 326 while the driver is in that area. Thus after the EES 326 is closed off, the overhead door opens, and the VLC operates to elevate the vehicle, pallet, UCM, REM, and carriage to the level matching the pre-assigned storage rack.

[0053] If the assigned storage rack is in the first end structure 302, the VLC rises to that associated level and enables a securing mechanism to firmly secure the carriage, where the REM extends the loaded pallet into the assigned storage rack. The loaded pallet is then secured into the storage rack, such that the REM retracts onto the UCM. The computer then commands that the securing mechanism to unlatch the carriage which allows the VLC to move directly to a level for retrieval of either a loaded or unloaded pallet, either of which is returned to the recessed area 328.

[0054] If the assigned storage rack is not in the first end structure 302, the VLC rises to that associated level and enables a securing mechanism to firmly secure the carriage. The UCM then moves off the carriage and laterally along the center aisle of that level under control of the computer to the assigned storage rack. After the UCM reaches the assigned storage rack, the computer controls the UCM to latch securely to the center aisle structure, and the REM extends the loaded pallet into the assigned storage rack. The loaded pallet is then secured into the storage rack, such that the REM retracts onto the UCM. The computer then commands that the UCM securing mechanism to unlatch the UCM. At this point, the computer can command the UCM to retrieve another loaded pallet or unloaded pallet. If on the same level, the UCM moves to the next storage rack, and extracts the pallet (loaded or unloaded) accordingly. If not on the same level, the UCM moves back to the VLC to be moved directly to a level for retrieval of either a loaded or unloaded pallet, either of which is returned to the recessed area 328.

[0055] Where each VLC has an associated UCM, the control computer coordinates activities of both UCM's such that storage and retrieval can occur on overlapping territory. Thus the customer is not restricted to utilizing only one end of the parking structure 300 if one of the UCM becomes disabled.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 3B, there are illustrated a front view 330 and a side view 332 of the parking structure 300 of FIG. 3A. The front view 330 illustrates the one end 304 of the parking structure 300 with an unloaded system 334 (i.e., the VLC, carriage, UCM, REM, and pallet) of the first small parking end structure 302. The side view 332 (and part of the front view 330) illustrates an unloaded system 336 (i.e., VLC carriage, UCM, REM, and pallet) of the second small parking end structure 306. Railed aisles 338 extend the length of the parking structure 300 for each level.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3C, there is illustrated an isometric view of a building 340 that includes the parking structure 300 of FIG. 3A. As mentioned hereinabove, each end structure (302 and 306) has an entry/exit portal. For example, the portal 324 can accommodate vehicles that are entering for parking or leaving from being parked. Similar utility is provided for a portal 342.

[0058] As in the first two embodiments of FIGS. 1A-C and FIGS. 2A-C, the pallet storage system employed by the automated parking tower configuration of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C suggest that every storage rack stores a pallet, regardless of whether it supports a vehicle or not. Accordingly, the parking structure 300 preferably uses the same number of pallets as storage racks in the parking structure 300. Of course, the configuration of the third embodiment is sufficiently flexible to accommodate carved out portions of the interstitial structure 310 for a pallet storage system or access to the parking structure 300, such that both portals (324 and 342) can be used for entry, and one or more middle portals (not shown) are used in conjunction with a drive-around area (not shown, but may be a single lane of traffic from each portal 324 and 342 out the back of the structure 300 the connect to the middle portals) for exiting the parking structure 300.

[0059] The automated parking tower design of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C can accommodate vehicles entering and leaving from either of the long sides of the end structures (302 and 306) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment. Preferably, although not necessary, in view of the flexible features of the structure described herein, each end structure (302 and 306) could be assigned a designated vehicle direction, i.e., one for parking, the other for retrieval, to facilitate traffic flow.

[0060] Although the illustrated structure is shown constructed entirely above ground, the structure may also be constructed to service floors below ground or a combination of floors above and below ground.

[0061] Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing a modular parking structure, comprising the steps of: providing a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; arranging a vehicle lift structure between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; and accessing the vehicle lift mechanism by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing, and the vehicle lift structure in the step of arranging, are structurally aligned end-to-end along a horizontal axis such that the vehicle is driven parallel to the longitudinal axis through the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and onto the vehicle pallet for storage during a storing process, and driven from the vehicle pallet through the second multilevel vehicle storage structure during an exiting process.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein access for both the storing process and the exiting process is provided on the same level.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing are both structurally aligned such that the vehicle lift mechanism brings the vehicle pallet into accessible mechanical alignment with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism includes a rack entry module that supports the vehicle pallet, which rack entry module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the rack entry module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack when the vehicle lift mechanism is aligned with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing each contain at least five levels of vehicle storage racks.
 8. A method of providing a modular parking structure, comprising the steps of: providing a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; arranging a vehicle lift structure between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in a side-by-side arrangement, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; and accessing the vehicle lift mechanism such that the vehicle is driven directly onto the vehicle pallet for storage during a storing process, and driven directly from the vehicle pallet during an exiting process, bypassing both the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein access for both the storing process and the exiting process is provided on the same level.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing are both structurally aligned such that the vehicle lift mechanism brings the vehicle pallet into accessible mechanical alignment with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism in the step of arranging includes an upper carrier module that supports the vehicle pallet, which upper carrier module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the upper carrier module places the vehicle pallet laterally into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the upper carrier module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack when the vehicle lift mechanism is aligned with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing each contain at least five levels of vehicle storage racks.
 15. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in the step of providing has a drive-though that allows vehicle access.
 16. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure, the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, and the vehicle lift structure is constructed to permit the vehicle to be driven therethrough.
 17. The method of claim 8, wherein a vehicle drive-through of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and vehicle entry to the vehicle lift structure are provided on different levels.
 18. A method of providing a modular automated parking structure, comprising the steps of: providing at least first end and second end multilevel parking structures, each end multilevel parking structure including, a first multilevel vehicle storage structure having at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged end-to-end with and between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure; connecting the first and second end parking structures with an interstitial multilevel structure of vehicle storage racks; and extending a storage rack access aisle between the first end and second end multilevel parking structures, on each level, to provide access to vehicle storage racks.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism includes a carriage, an upper carrier module for traversing the length of the storage rack access aisle, and a rack entry module for accessing a vehicle storage rack.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein each level of the multilevel interstitial structure accommodates at least one upper carrier module operating independently on the storage rack access aisle to perform at least one of storing and retrieving a pallet.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein each vertical lift mechanism has associated therewith a storage and retrieval apparatus such that the storage and retrieval apparatus of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure has overlapping coverage of the storage rack accessible by the storage and retrieval apparatus of the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 22. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of accessing the vehicle lift mechanism by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 23. A modular parking structure, comprising: a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 24. The structure of claim 23, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure, the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, and the vehicle lift structure, are structurally aligned end-to-end along a horizontal axis such that the vehicle is driven parallel to the longitudinal axis through the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and onto the vehicle pallet for storage during a storing process, and driven from the vehicle pallet through the second multilevel vehicle storage structure during an exiting process.
 25. The structure of claim 24, wherein access for both the storing process and the exiting process is provided on the same level.
 26. The structure of claim 23, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure are both structurally aligned such that the vehicle lift mechanism brings the vehicle pallet into accessible mechanical alignment with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 27. The structure of claim 23, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism includes a rack entry module that supports the vehicle pallet, which rack entry module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 28. The structure of claim 27, wherein the rack entry module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack when the vehicle lift mechanism is aligned with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 29. The structure of claim 23, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure each contain at least five levels of vehicle storage racks.
 30. A modular parking structure, comprising: a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure in a side-by-side arrangement, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed such that the vehicle is driven directly onto the vehicle pallet for storage during a storing process, and driven directly from the vehicle pallet during an exiting process, bypassing both the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 31. The structure of claim 30, wherein access for both the storing process and the exiting process is provided on the same level.
 32. The structure of claim 30, wherein both the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure are structurally aligned such that the vehicle lift mechanism brings the vehicle pallet into accessible mechanical alignment with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 33. The structure of claim 30, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism includes an upper carrier module that supports the vehicle pallet, which upper carrier module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 34. The structure of claim 33, wherein the upper carrier module places the vehicle pallet laterally into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack.
 35. The structure of claim 33, wherein the upper carrier module is mechanically extendable into either the first vehicle storage rack or the second vehicle storage rack when the vehicle lift mechanism is aligned with both the first vehicle storage rack and the second vehicle storage rack.
 36. The structure of claim 30, wherein the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure each contain at least five levels of vehicle storage racks.
 37. The structure of claim 30, wherein at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure has a drive-though that allows vehicle access.
 38. The structure of claim 30, wherein at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure, the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, and the vehicle lift structure is constructed to permit the vehicle to be driven therethrough.
 39. The structure of claim 30, wherein a vehicle drive-through of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and vehicle entry to the vehicle lift structure are provided on different levels.
 40. A modular parking structure, comprising: at least first end and second end multilevel parking structures, each end multilevel parking structure including, a first multilevel vehicle storage structure having at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle; and a vehicle lift structure arranged end-to-end with and between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure; wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure; an interstitial multilevel structure of vehicle storage racks connecting the first and second end parking structures; and a storage rack access aisle extending between the first end and second end multilevel parking structures, on each level, to provide access to vehicle storage racks.
 41. The structure of claim 40, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism includes a carriage, an upper carrier module for traversing the length of the storage rack access aisle, and a rack entry module for accessing a vehicle storage rack.
 42. The structure of claim 40, wherein each level of the multilevel interstitial structure accommodates at least one upper carrier module operating independently on the storage rack access aisle to perform at least one of storing and retrieving a pallet.
 43. The structure of claim 40, wherein the vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.
 44. The structure of claim 40, wherein each vertical lift mechanism has associated therewith a storage and retrieval apparatus such that the storage and retrieval apparatus of the first multilevel vehicle storage structure has overlapping coverage of the storage rack accessible by the storage and retrieval apparatus of the second multilevel vehicle storage structure. 